Winter wanders: a frosty morning in Railway Fields

There are worse ways to spend a Monday morning than exploring the frosty landscape of Railway Fields,

however, the winter sun soon broke through illuminating the colours of the site. This phenomenal bug hotel was built by the Friends of RF. 

The wild service tree leaves, were burning copper bright against the blue winter sky. Other leaves cling to their leaves and even their berries, food for the birds in Winter.

The teasel heads are still lovely, even after they have been stripped of their goodness

And closer to the ground the feathery Clematis Vitalba or Old Man's Beard.

No wonder another name for it is Traveller's Joy, although it was also associated with the Devil because it does his work for him by trailing into other plants to choke them. It is also connected with the Virgin Mary, and God, because of its white feathery look. Take your pick. I guess it depends if you've got it in your garden. Yesterday it appeared closer to heaven than to hell.

Railway Fields is usually open Monday to Friday 9 - 5 and some weekends. Check the website of Friends of Railway Fields for dates and details of special events and conservation work days held at the weekends.